Goa Can Become Epicentre of Political Change in 2027, Says Pawan Khera During Goy Rakhonn Yatra in Ponda

PONDA, OCTOBER 5, 2026: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera said Goa could emerge as an important centre of political change in the February 2027 Assembly elections, as the Congress-led Goy Rakhonn Yatra entered Ponda on its 14th day.

Khera said growing concerns over Goa’s land, businesses, forests, rivers, environment, culture and identity could become key issues in the upcoming elections. He also raised concerns over what he described as “vote theft” and alleged that the BJP was attempting to weaken the democratic voice of voters, particularly the younger generation.

The Ponda leg of the yatra was dedicated to the memory of late Dr. Ketan Bhatikar. Congress leaders paid floral tributes to his portrait before beginning the programme. Party leaders and workers also used bandaged and blood-stained finger props to symbolically highlight their allegations of votes being “cut” and concerns over electoral irregularities.

Pawan Khera: Goa Could Become Centre of Political Change

Addressing the gathering, Khera said the people of Goa were increasingly raising their voices against policies that, according to him, threaten the state’s land, natural resources and identity.

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against “vote theft”, Khera said the issue had resonated with concerns being raised by citizens. He urged Goans to come together to protect the state’s land, businesses, forests, rivers, environment and cultural identity.

“Goa can become an important centre of political change in the February 2027 Assembly elections,” Khera said, calling upon voters to make the protection of Goa’s identity and resources a central issue in the elections.

Yuri Alemao Promises Hospital Infrastructure in Dr. Ketan Bhatikar’s Name

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao claimed that public anger against the BJP government had grown significantly, describing it as a “tsunami” rather than merely an “undercurrent”.

Alemao criticised the government over land conversion and referred to provisions including Sections 16B and 17(2), alleging that they were adversely affecting Goa’s land and communities. He also highlighted unemployment as a major concern and accused the government of failing to adequately protect Goa’s interests.

Speaking about healthcare facilities in Ponda, Alemao said a future Congress government would develop hospital infrastructure in the name of late Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, including MRI and CT scan facilities.

He said the proposed infrastructure would ensure that patients from Ponda would not have to travel outside the constituency for essential diagnostic services. Alemao claimed that the required hospital infrastructure would be provided within the first two months of a Congress government taking office.

Altone D’Costa Targets BJP Over Parrikar and Ravi Naik Legacies

Congress Working President Altone D’Costa accused the BJP of having “finished” the political legacies of former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and former Chief Minister Ravi Naik.

D’Costa said Ponda had witnessed development during Ravi Naik’s tenure and questioned the BJP over the development achieved in the constituency under the present government and the BJP MLA.

Carlos Ferreira Raises Roads, Water and Power Issues

Congress Working President and MLA Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira criticised the BJP government over what he described as failures concerning roads, water supply and electricity.

Ferreira also alleged that Goa’s land, agricultural fields and hills were increasingly coming under the influence of interests allegedly linked to the ruling establishment. He accused the government of compromising the interests of ordinary Goans.

Rajesh Verenkar Questions Ponda’s Smart City Promises

Congress District President Rajesh Verenkar questioned the BJP’s promises regarding Smart City-related development in Ponda.

Verenkar alleged that several projects had not commenced despite tenders being issued and work orders being granted. He also raised concerns over rising electricity bills and the financial burden on ordinary consumers.

Congress Administers Goy Rakhonn Pledge

The programme concluded with Congress Working President Sunil Kawthankar administering the Goy Rakhonn Pledge, calling upon people to protect Goa’s land, culture, language, identity, heritage and natural resources.

The gathering concluded with the slogans:

“AMI GOEM VIKPAK DIVCHEM NA!”
“AMI BJP-K JINKPAK DIVCHEM NA!”